Matchbook has finalized its acquisition of Betdaq, a strategic move aimed at enhancing its liquidity to take advantage of the growing trend in peer-to-peer betting. This announcement was made on Wednesday, marking the union of two of the longest-standing operators in the betting exchange market. Matchbook emphasized that this agreement showcases its commitment to the sector's development.
In order to facilitate a seamless transition, the Betdaq platform will continue to operate until October 21, with player withdrawals remaining accessible until November 4. The merger is expected to provide users with a larger pool of liquidity, tighter betting spreads, and improved chances of matching larger bets at favorable prices.
Commenting on the acquisition, Matchbook's CEO Ronan McDonagh stated that this step strengthens the company's goal of positioning exchange betting as the preferred option for gamblers. He remarked, "Betdaq and Matchbook grew up proving the same idea – that bettors get a better deal when prices are made by a market rather than a margin."
McDonagh further noted the significant progress of exchanges and prediction markets in reaching new global audiences. He assured Betdaq customers that their funds are secure and that they will enjoy clearer options alongside enhanced liquidity and better pricing that the combined entity can offer.
A notable uptick in peer-to-peer betting has been observed, especially in the United States, where firms like Kalshi and Polymarket have gained prominence. Matchbook, founded in 2004, has been proactive in navigating this trend, seeking to expand beyond traditional betting. In 2024, it partnered with EasyGroup, the parent company of EasyJet, to launch the betting exchange brand EasyBet. Additionally, Matchbook has ventured into prediction markets, collaborating with ADI PredictStreet, the official predictions partner for the 2026 World Cup.
